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Liverpool Transfer News: Man City Move Could Shape Iraola’s Next Big Decision

Liverpool’s summer window is beginning to gather pace, and according to the Mirror, Manchester City’s move for Elliot Anderson could have significant consequences at Anfield.

Andoni Iraola has already seen Liverpool commit serious money, with Victor Munoz arriving from Osasuna in a £34.5million deal and Jeremy Jacquet’s move from Rennes potentially rising to £60m. Now, the next phase of the rebuild may depend as much on departures as arrivals.

The Mirror reports that City’s imminent £116m signing of Anderson from Nottingham Forest could leave Forest searching for a midfield replacement, with Curtis Jones under consideration.

Jones is entering the final year of his Liverpool contract, which changes the conversation. The report claims he “can allegedly leave for £35m”, a figure far below what Liverpool would likely demand if his deal had longer to run.

Inter Milan’s reported £21.7m offer was never likely to satisfy Liverpool. Forest, armed with fresh funds, may be better placed to test the club’s resolve.

Jones Contract Situation Forces Liverpool Choice

Jones has previously made clear his desire to spend his career at Anfield. That sentiment carries weight, particularly for a homegrown player who understands the club and has delivered important moments.

Yet football rarely runs on sentiment alone. Liverpool now face three options, renew his contract, sell this summer, or risk losing him for free in 2027.

The Mirror notes that “it appears more likely the Merseysiders will cash in this summer and maximise profit off their homegrown product.”

From Liverpool’s perspective, that would be a pragmatic decision. Iraola needs funds, flexibility and players fully aligned with his long-term plan. Jones has quality, intelligence and academy value, but his contract position weakens Liverpool’s hand.

Photo: IMAGO

Man City Join Ayyoub Bouaddi Race

The less welcome development for Liverpool concerns Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Lille midfielder has become one of Europe’s most talked-about young players, and the Mirror credits Marca with reporting that City have entered the race.

Bouaddi, valued at around £69m, has attracted interest from major clubs including Real Madrid and PSG. The report describes him as earning comparisons with “the likes of Rodri and Fabinho”, which explains why Liverpool’s interest feels logical.

Liverpool’s midfield still needs careful management. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai look central to Iraola’s plans, while Alexis Mac Allister’s future continues to attract scrutiny amid Real Madrid links.

The Mirror writes that Mac Allister “struggled to maintain his previous levels playing under Arne Slot last term”, though Iraola will surely want to assess him properly before any major call is made.

Bouaddi Battle Could Define Liverpool’s Ambition

Bouaddi would represent a statement signing. At 18, he fits the modern Liverpool recruitment model, elite potential, high technical ceiling and resale value.

City’s presence complicates matters. They can offer money, structure and a clear midfield succession plan. Liverpool, however, can offer a central role in a new project under Iraola.

This is where the summer becomes fascinating. Selling Jones could help fund a serious push for Bouaddi, but Liverpool must avoid weakening depth before strengthening the starting XI.

Photo: IMAGO

There is opportunity here, yet also risk. City’s Anderson move may indirectly help Liverpool by pushing Forest towards Jones, but City entering the Bouaddi race could make Liverpool’s ideal midfield rebuild far harder to complete.

For Iraola, this is the sharp edge of a first Liverpool window. Every decision now carries consequences.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool perspective, this report lands in that uncomfortable space between sensible squad planning and emotional frustration.

Curtis Jones is one of our own. He has had big nights, big goals and spells where he looked like exactly the kind of press-resistant midfielder Liverpool should be building around. Letting him go for anything close to £35m would feel light, especially in a market where Anderson is being discussed at £116m.

Yet the contract changes everything. Liverpool cannot keep walking players towards free agency and then act surprised when value disappears. We saw enough of that in recent years. If Jones will not extend, or if Iraola does not see him as essential, then selling now is ruthless rather than reckless.

Bouaddi is the exciting part. He sounds like the type of player Liverpool supporters love to imagine before the rest of Europe catches up. Young, elegant, physical, composed, with that holding-midfield profile we have craved since Fabinho’s decline.

The concern is obvious, once City are seriously involved, the price and pressure rise quickly. Liverpool need to be decisive. If Jones money helps fund Bouaddi, supporters may accept the pain. If Jones leaves and Bouaddi ends up at City, that would feel like a very different story.